Milford is situated on an elevated plain sloping to the east and is bordered by the high plains of the Big Blue River on the north. The first authentic knowledge of the town's site was given by some early hunters who found it occupied by about 5,000 Indians. The Indians had rendezvoused at the site to resist encroachment into the territory by white settlers.

Traditional history made Milford a favorite camping ground of the Pawnee; and a meeting place of the Pawnee, Otoe and Omaha as they joined together to protect themselves from their bitter enemies, the Souix. A gigantic oak standing alone on the prairie near the bluff was the traditional Council Tree where many compacts were sealed.

The first white settler in Milford was J.L. Davison, who discovered the site while guiding a party to the gold fields of Pike's Peak. He was attracted by its natural scenery and the splendid facilities it offered for water power. In April 1864, he camped upon a spot where a few days later he built a dugout. He lived in the dugout until the following fall when he built the first frame house erected in the budding town. He also established a well-known ranch. The Territorial Road was laid out close by, so the Davison ranch became favorite stopping place for freighters and immigrants moving West.

The Post Office was established in the fall of 1864, with Mr. Davison as the postmaster. The first schoolhouse was built in 1867. On April 10, 1869, the First Congressional Church was organized. The Baptist Church was organized the following summer. The Milford Lodge, I.O.O.F. was chartered in May 1870.

In 1941, Senator Stanley Matzke of Seward introduced a bill to the Legislature changing a closed down Soldiers and Sailors Home into the Nebraska Trade School, which was the first in the nation. This institution was to become Southeast Community College, which is now the life-blood of the community.

Information courtesy of Eldon Hostetler.